(April 3rd, 2016)

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This is related to the following event:
The Haunting of the Bridge Inn
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Captain's Quick Report: The Haunting of the Bridge Inn

  
  There has come many a-time throughout my life that hence can barely be believed that such culture and sights are to behold before me; when good folk and merry culture reach beyond the limits of what is known, and create something so special – experiences, stories, songs, and gatherings so engaging to become thus a participant, or even just as simple an onlooker and visitor.

  Here before the ‘Bridge Inn’, just a shout’s distance away from the famous Brandywine Bridge that connects the Bree-land to the Shire, there was an outstanding story told, music sung, and performance so grandly performed by what Hobbits have known for many years as the ‘Brandy Badgers’.  The tale so enthralling, the telling of it so vivid, the action before our eyes as audience so timely and real – it blurs my mind still as I trot back upon the road to Bree-town on whether I was imagining some parts or not! Hohoho…

 Master Reader, there is consistently too few words that I can succinctly use to describe what is truly a magnificent penchant those of Hobbit culture and stature so too possess within their community and many kin; from the passing on of lessons and stories upon their own Hobbit-ways and legends with music, dancing, singing and performance; to other activities, events and mannerisms that so do tell an outstanding story of it’s own of their kind… there is something surely akin to magic here, magic that sparks from the genuine hearts of good souls bound with curious good nature, imagination, and hence whatever secret ingredient that mayhaps make Hobbits whom they are, as a collective whole, amongst the Free Folk.

  While it would be shameful for me to attempt any further description in writing at this time, in this rough and early report, about anything more about the actual story, songs, and remainder of the event that transpired… I will instead leave with you dear Reader the many draft sketches taken throughout the event that I managed.  You must truly have been there to see and hear the tale that was spoken, the songs that were sung… and the music played – but perhaps upon these rough sketchings will you find some semblance of atmosphere and what magical time did unfold amongst this intrepid gathering.

  An outstanding privilege and lucky opportunity it was to see these musicians, and fine story-tellers, partake in their talents so excellently – it speaks of many nuances of Hobbits and their culture, and invites a warmth that cannot be found ‘lest one truly understand the gift of a tale well-spoken, story well-sung, and legends well-shared as part of the passing of old history but also perhaps the creation of it anew.  A fantastic congratulations is due, Master Reader, to those musicians known only as the ‘Brandy Badgers’ from the Grand Order of the Lost Mathom!

  It was certainly a night and story to remember of Inn and Badgers; of brave Heroes and more, and with such fine storied tunes and narration to accompany a further understanding of how badgers play (literally, and figuratively, hah!) perhaps a most prominent part in Hobbit lore; or even actual Shire history, if the tale told was to be truly believed!  But that, dear Reader, is something you must find out for yourself – perhaps when the next time an opportunity to attend an event during the Spring with the Brandy Badgers arises.

Signed,

 

Captain Naismithea Willarc

Watcher of Roads
Representative of the Bree Captain's Guild
Officer of the Sworn Wanderers







P.S.

  While word has become apparent that the annual festivities of Spring amongst the Free Peoples won’t arrive until much later this year, gossip goes that a schedule of events somewhere in the lands of Middle-earth mentions activities relating to a popular Anniversary period, which will be happening soon later in this Month.  Over in the Shire-bounds, the Bird and Baby Yard Party have several planned musicians and guests coming up in the weeks with the Travelling Bilberries and Black Salad Day; then the OAKS in Oldfurlong with the Remediators band shortly after; the Rory and Gaby Project performance over in the lands of Evendim following close behind as well ( as also mentioned in the Bramblebury Gazette ); and then Hobbits choosing a Shire May Queen at the beginning of next Month are some of the many fine rumours that have reached my ears of late. 

  A great many things to do -- some perhaps I shall be able to attend, others not – but alive Middle-Earth truly is; and all through the hard work and efforts of Free Folk across the land within their communities bringing events to life, and gatherings of great spirit to blossom.  A fine time this is, a cherished time as Spring dawns upon us!  Hoho!

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Scribe's Note/Addendum:  Greetings, Reader.  With the permission of this Captain Naismithea individual, we have been asked to include some news you may be interested in, concerning better quality drawings, paintings, and colorings from this event from a number of other reported sources, not directly associated with the Grey Repository Archives.  For your benefit, here are directions to where you can find some other wonderful drawings that have appeared elsewhere:

Note #1  (( Several pictures from the event by Master Everbrock during the songs ))
Note #2  (( Another from Master Everbrock as a few final songs were sung ))
Note #3  (( Great shot of the band/musicians from one named Miss Lully ))

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Overview Collection

(( Disclaimer: Hello folks, I'd like to caution you that taking a look at the embedded slideshow coming up below will likely not go too well if your in a hurry, and hoping to just get a 'general gander' at what the event was like.  The 'Overview Collection' above is more suited for that!

  Viewing the album embedded below is more geared for those folks looking to get a /slightly/ more play-by-play spirit of how things unfolded.  In fact, I only recommend having a browse through if for some reason, you have an urge to well... just look at a lot and lot of screenshots -- many of the shot angles/perspectives being repeated in other screenshots but at different times during the event, etc!  Thanks for reading.

  Extra Note: Remember as well that these screenshots don't capture every word and line spoken by those singing songs or reading out poems and stories!  Don't expect to catch everything that was said, but you should get a general gist/idea of the kind of things that were said at least! ))

First Collection




Second Collection


 

Third Collection


 

Fourth Collection

Fifth Collection